Reflections in Photography – Tips & Examples

Photography constitutes both to art and science. We express everything through an art medium, which is then captured inside a camera, and works along to form a Photograph – the medium of science. It becomes compelling for one to quote Ansel Adams here, “There is nothing more boring than a technically good photograph but lacking emotions.”

Before speaking further into this, there is a very interesting science phenomenon which can be very contributing and make photography much interesting. The Reflections is a stellar process which happens in Light as well as Sound. It is the change of the direction between two extremely different medium, so the wave starting from its origin returns back.

So how beautiful can this physical property of Light contribute or attract in Photography?

Form & Shape

The Shape of the subject, through which the light waves had traveled through and has to cross into another medium. For Example, There is a tree on a river bank, the light wave of the tree travels into the water to form a reflection of the tree on the river, thus traveling back to its original state. The shape and form of the tree is orderly, flipped vertically thus causing a stunning reflection. More solid and prominent the form and shape of the subject, better the reflection.

Photo Credit : KPK

Photo Credit : Ingeun, NAM

Photo Credit : Kevin Pepper

Photo Credit : Alexei Sovertkov

Subject & Action

Knowing the phenomenon behind the reflections, one should experiment with various eye catching subjects and the actions which originate from them. Peculiar subjects or even ordinary things can give more spice in a reflection. The Distorted feel tend to create a mystery with a solid touch of art. Actions are always considered to be everlasting in photography, people don’t forget actions.

Photo Credit : Anna Pavlova

Photo Credit : Eliza Beth

Photo Credit : Werachai Sookruay

Photo Credit : Carmel Trimarchi Kujawa

Light & Shadows

As Physics suggest, Better the Light, Better the Reflection. Look for the light source, reflected light can create unique pictures. As already discussed in earlier lighting posts, diffused light is fantastic for taking pictures, try to align yourself for reflected light which is a better way to capture diffused light. Trying to capture reflections with this better lighting source will definitely take you to the next level in Photography.

Photo Credit : Xavier Jamonet

Photo Credit : Hayk Shalunts

Photo Credit : Andrea Auf dem Brinke

Photo Credit : Nilton Ramos Quoirin

Position & Framing

Depending on the light source, stay behind the reflections. Avoid your shadow inside the frame. This simple tactic differentiates between Pro’s and Amateur’s. When you shoot people in reflection, do not worry about the alignment or inclination, shoot them vertically flipped (the way you see), in the post you could always flip the image as you would wish. To show the original scene or just the scene in reflection depends solely on the photographer.

Photo Credit : Yusuke Sakai

Photo Credit : Rahmat mulyono

Photo Credit : Keith Aggett

Photo Credit : Asit

Conclusion

Try to experiment with these, look for water clogs, mirrors, water bodies, sunrise, sunset. It’s all yours.

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Discussion5 Comments

I think in some pictures the line that separates the real from the reflect is too near to the middle, and I think that is better don’t capture that line in that picture’s area… but it’s just an opinion… it’s like the pictures needs more air to breathe, or less air in order to specify the picture…